Meet Mitchell Harris | College Student, Youth Pastor and Philanthropic Assistant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mitchell Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mitchell, what matters most to you?
Integrity is the most important value anyone can have. As a person of strong faith and Christian beliefs, I must stand true in everything that I do. I also represent as a black man from Columbus, Ga, and roots in the Delta of Mississippi, I believe that I have a responsibility to stay true to my people and where I come from in my intentions. Though my motivations are serving communities, people must have integrity in their daily work, whether for personal gain, protecting family, or other beliefs. No matter what motivates us, we must be true to ourselves and each other and we can all reach our goals more effectively. For me integrity is represented by a strong spirit of servant leadership, to lead by serving the needs of yourself and those in your communities.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a college student at Georgia State University and Youth Pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church of Columbus, Ga, I am most proud to work at the University Foundation and Engage in my Columbus community. In the University Foundation, I get to be a part of the efforts that help students and our university every day by working on a fundraising team through stewardship and other facets of philanthropy. I enjoy connecting with philanthropic initiatives and have launched a new project alongside the SGA President that will serve our peers. I have been successful professionally in this area by remaining true and having integrity in the purpose of my goals.

As someone who wants to stay engaged with the communities I am a part of, I also travel to Columbus, Georgia working in youth and music ministry. I am very passionate about being a Youth Pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and engaging in my hometown through the contact I have with others. It can be a challenge to balance serving in the Atlanta community through GSU’s foundation and my Columbus Community, however, remembering who I am and why I do what I do gives me the will to organize my time management. Remaining with integrity also keeps me happy in the hard work I do to serve my communities.

It is also a challenge because many people try and discourage me from coming back to Columbus to serve and make an impact, however, by remaining true, I don’t have to allow those words to affect me. Reaching success in these areas has come through faith and courage. I stepped out into new opportunities and experiences despite others thoughts and I have been able to achieve. Amid everything I do, humility keeps me from falling even in my most difficult times.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We have would have to try out Pascal’s with its good soul food, visit the National Civil and Human Rights Museum, Ponce City Market, and The Westin Observatory.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to recognize my mentors, brothers, and friends of the Atlanta Collegiate Institute, Founded by Dr. William Keyes, Terrence Smith, and Pastor Derrick Lockwood. I also recognize my entire family and church family including my youth.

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